Although we’ve been out and about in Tallulah already this year this was the first opportunity we’ve had to go camping. We had plans to meet up with some friends on the Devon/Somerset border but as it was the Easter weekend we decided to take our time and break up the journey with an overnight stop in Dorset, on the western edge of the New Forest.

We left around midday heading almost directly South-West via Andover and Salisbury, at a very leisurely pace and arrived at the camp site in a little over 2 hours. We had chosen the The Inside Park due to it’s open woodland location and large adventure playground, ideal for our 6yo son, and it didn’t disappoint!

Adventure time!

The site is set well back from the main road along a narrow tree lined lane, within the gently undulating grounds of the former 18C Down House Estate with around 120 pitches, most with EHU. The reception, toilet and washing block is all housed within the former stables, along with a games room containing pool and table tennis tables and the surrounding grounds are very well maintained.

We hadn’t booked in advance – which might be an issue in peak season – so we were allocated a pitch with EHU roughly in the centre of the camping field and set about levelling and plugging in. The large adventure playground entertained our 6yo for ages, returning to us only when hungry. We then cycled 2 different mountain bike trails (maps and trail guides provided at reception) and properly wore him out so we would all have a great nights sleep.

Tallulah's new friend Thomas

Other features:

Well maintained toilet, shower and washing up facilities.

Indoor games room with pool and table tennis tables and table football.

Picnic benches, free to use and relocate next to your pitch.

On site shop well equipped with all the normal ‘essentials’.

‘Late arrivals’ area so the remainder of the site remains undisturbed after 10pm.

Take away menus available at reception for the local delicacies of Blandford Forum!

If you are looking for a relaxed, child friendly site on the western edge of the New Forest then I can highly recommend The Inside Park, just minutes from Blandford Forum.